Adjustment Mechanism For Pump Seal

ABSTRACT

An adjustment mechanism ( 85 ) for a seal assembly ( 80 ) for a pump drive shaft ( 52 ) of a pump, the pump shaft ( 52 ) mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. The seal assembly ( 80 ) comprises a rotating seal ( 81 ) mounted for rotation with the drive shaft ( 52 ) about the rotation axis and a static seal ( 84 ) adjacent the rotating seal ( 81 ) and axially moveable relative thereto. The adjustment mechanism ( 85 ) comprises an adjustment member ( 87 ) which is axially moveable so as to cause axial movement of the static seal ( 84 ) relative to the rotating seal ( 81 ). The mechanism further includes an actuator ( 88 ) and a transmission ( 93 ) for transmitting a motive force from the actuator to the adjustment member as a result of activation of the actuator. The transmission ( 93 ) is operatively connected to the adjustment member ( 87 ) at two spaced apart couplings ( 98 ) whereby activation of the actuator causes simultaneous transmission of the motive force to the two spaced apart couplings. The actuator ( 88 ) is disposed externally of all pump parts.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to pumps and more particularly to sealassemblies therefore and to components for pump seal assemblies.

BACKGROUND ART

Pumps of the centrifugal type generally comprise a pump housing theinterior of which forms a pump chamber. An impeller is positioned in thepump chamber and is connected to a drive shaft and drive motor thatimpart rotation to the impeller. The pump housing is formed with aninlet for receiving pumped material into the pump chamber, and adischarge outlet through which pumped material exits the pump chamber.

Seal assemblies are required to provide fluid barriers between variouspump parts. One example of such seal assemblies is of the type used toseal the entry region of the drive shaft into the pump chamber. In oneform of known seal assembly of this type the assembly comprises arotating seal member which is mounted for rotation with the drive shaftand a static seal member which is adapted to bear against the rotatingseal in order to provide an effective seal between the pump chamber andthe drive shaft. Seal assemblies of this type are often referred to asgland seals. In this type of seal the sealing faces between the rotatingand static seal members are lubricated and cooled by a small leakage offluid between the seal members.

In order for the seal assembly to operate properly careful alignment andadjustment of the position of the seal members must be done for correctinitial set up and maintenance and further adjustment when the pump isoperating (dynamic adjustment). Incorrect location of the two sealmembers can result in seal failure as a result of lack of lubrication ofthe sealing faces.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect there is provided an adjustment mechanism for a sealassembly for a pump drive shaft of a pump, the pump shaft mounted forrotation about a rotation axis, the seal assembly including a rotatableseal mounted for rotation with the drive shaft about the rotation axisand a static seal adjacent the rotatable seal and axially moveablerelative thereto, the adjustment mechanism comprising an adjustmentmember which is axially moveable so as to cause axial movement of thestatic seal relative to the rotatable seal, an actuator and atransmission for transmitting a motive force from the actuator to theadjustment member as a result of activation of the actuator, thetransmission being operatively connected to the adjustment member at oneor more couplings(s) whereby activation of the actuator causessimultaneous transmission of the motive force to the or each couplings.

In certain embodiments, the one or more coupling(s) can comprise atleast two spaced apart couplings.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment member can include an adjustmentsleeve, which is mounted substantially coaxially with respect to thedrive shaft in an assembled position and axially movable relativethereto, the static seal being operatively mounted to one end of theadjustment sleeve.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can further include amounting member secured to the other end of the adjustment sleeve, thespaced apart couplings being on the mounting member. In certainembodiments the mounting member can comprise a ring secured to the otherend of the adjustment sleeve. In certain embodiments the spaced apartcouplings can be pivot mountings disposed on opposite sides of theadjustment sleeve.

In certain embodiments the transmission can comprise a fork shapedmember having two spaced apart legs extending away from one end of thefork shaped member the free end of each of the legs being pivotallyconnected to a respective one of the two spaced apart couplings themember being mounted for pivotal movement in a region between the end ofthe fork shaped member and the free ends of the spaced apart legs, theone end of the fork shaped member being associated with the actuator.

In certain embodiments the actuator when fitted can be spaced from thedrive shaft and external of all pump parts.

In a second aspect, there is provided an adjustment mechanism for a sealassembly for a pump drive shaft of a pump, the pump shaft mounted forrotation about a rotation axis, the seal assembly including a rotatableseal mounted for rotation with the drive shaft about the rotation axisand a static seal adjacent the rotatable seal and axially moveablerelative thereto, the adjustment mechanism comprising an adjustmentmember which is axially moveable so as to cause axial movement of thestatic seal relative to the rotatable seal, an actuator and atransmission for transmitting a motive force from the actuator to theadjustment member as a result of activation of the actuator, thetransmission being operatively connected to the adjustment memberwhereby activation of the actuator causes simultaneous transmission ofthe motive force to the adjustment member, the actuator being spacedfrom the drive shaft and external of all pump parts when fitted.

In a third aspect, there is provided a seal assembly for a pump driveshaft of a pump, the seal assembly including a housing having a sealchamber therein arranged so that when fitted the drive shaft extendsthrough the pump chamber and an adjustment mechanism as described abovethe rotatable and static seal being disposed within said seal chamberand the adjustment member being at least partially received within theseal chamber.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of adjustment for a sealassembly as described above, the method including the step of activatingthe actuator to cause relative movement between the rotatable and staticseal members.

In certain embodiments, the method of the third aspect may include afirst step being a coarse adjustment step and a second step being a fineadjustment step effected by the actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of themethods and apparatus as set forth in the Summary, specific embodimentswill now be described, by way of example, and with reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation of an embodiment of a pumpapparatus;

FIG. 2 is a schematic end elevation of the pump apparatus shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the pump apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic sectional view of an adjustment mechanismof the pump apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the adjustment mechanism shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating how adjustment of theadjustment mechanism that is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be effected;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the pump apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 6illustrating an adaptor;

FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 7 in afirst position in relation to the rest of the pump apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side elevation of the adaptor shown in FIG. 7 in asecond position in relation to the rest of the pump apparatus; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional side elevation of the adaptor shown in FIGS. 7 to9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1 to 3, there isillustrated a pump assembly 10 having a pump housing support 20 (oftenreferred to in the pump industry as a pedestal or frame) to which isattached a pump housing 30. As illustrated in FIG. 3 the pump housing 30generally comprises an outer casing 32 which comprises two side casingparts 33, 34 (sometimes also known as the frame plate and the coverplate, respectively) which are joined together about a periphery of thetwo side casings parts 33, 34 by bolts 21. The side casing part (orframe plate) 33 is mounted to a mounting ring 25 which forms part of thehousing support 20 by means of bolts 27. The housing support 20 includesa shaft bearing mounting section 22 for receiving a shaft bearingcartridge 23 thereon. A drive shaft 52 is supported by the bearingcartridge 23 and extends into pump chamber 49 through a seal assembly 80and a side opening in the side casing part (or frame plate) 33. An endcover plate in the form of a generally circular disc 39 is secured tothe centre of the side casing part (or cover plate) 34 by bolts 31.

The pump housing 30 further comprises a pump housing inner liner 42arranged within the outer casing 32 and which includes a main liner (orvolute) 44 and two side liners 46, 48. The side liner (or back liner) 46is located nearer the rear end of the pump housing 30 (that is, nearestto the pedestal or base 20, and also adjacent to the frame plate 33),and the other side liner (or front liner, also sometimes known as thethroat bush) 48 is located nearer to the front end of the pump housing30 and adjacent to the cover plate 34 and the circular disc 39.

In the embodiment shown, the main liner (or volute) 44 is comprised oftwo separate sections 44A, 44B (made of such material as rubber orelastomer) which are assembled within each of the side casing parts 33,34 respectively and brought together when the pump housing 30 isassembled to form a single main liner 44, although in some embodimentsthe main liner (or volute) 44 may be made in one-piece and which may,for instance, be made of metal or ceramic material.

When the pump is assembled, side openings in the volute 44 are arrangedto receive the two side liners 46, 48 to form a continuously-lined pumpchamber 49 which is disposed within the pump outer casing 32. Duringuse, fluid enters the pump chamber 49 through an inlet port 38 and isdischarged through an outlet port 54 in the discharge outlet 56. A sealassembly 80 is disposed adjacent the side liner (or back liner) 46 andis arranged with various components to prevent leakage of fluid from thepump chamber 49 during use. Between the seal assembly 80 and the bearingcartridge 23 there is an access zone 51 which is at least partiallysurrounded by a guard or cover 55 in the form of a screen or mesh toprevent injury to a body part of a worker who may come into contact withany moving parts of machinery located at the back of the pump housing30.

An impeller 60 is positioned in the pump chamber 49 within the volute 44and is mounted to the drive shaft 52, which has a rotation axis X-X. Adrive (not shown) is operatively connected to the drive shaft 52, in theregion of the pedestal or base 20, and remote from the pump housing 30.The rotation of the impeller 60 causes the fluid (or solid-liquidmixture) that is being pumped to pass from a pipe which is connected tothe inlet port 38, through the pump chamber 49 which is defined by thevolute 44 and the side liners 46, 48, and then out of the pump chamber49 via the discharge outlet port 54. The discharge outlet port 54 isarranged in the discharge outlet 56 portion of the pump housing 30. Thedischarge outlet 56 is operatively connected to adjacent pipework 200via an adaptor 70 which will be described in detail hereinafter.

The seal assembly 80 is best understood with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.The seal assembly 80 comprises a rotating seal in the form of acircumferential ring 81 which is operatively mounted for rotation withthe drive shaft 52. A shaft sleeve or gland sleeve 82 overlies the driveshaft 52 and is arranged to rotate therewith. The rotatable ring seal 81is mounted on one end of the gland sleeve 82. The rotatable ring seal 81is in the form of a flexible ring and may be formed from an elastomer,such as rubber. The seal assembly 80 further includes a static ring seal84 (that is, a non-rotatable portion of the seal assembly 80) which inuse is disposed in a close-facing relationship adjacent to the rotatablering seal 81. The static ring seal 84 is in the form of a ring made froma hard material such as silicon carbide, which provides for a hardwearing face which can abut against the rotatable ring seal 81. Thestatic ring seal 84 is mounted to an adjustment sleeve 87 which formspart of an adjustment mechanism 85 which is described in detailhereinafter. The adjustment sleeve 87 is slidably mounted for axialmovement so that the static ring seal 84 can be moved towards or awayfrom the rotatable ring seal 81. The adjustment sleeve 87 is mountedcoaxially around the shaft or gland sleeve 82. A gland seal 78 ispositioned between the seal housing 90 and the adjustment sleeve toprovide a packing to prevent the leakage of any process fluid from thepump chamber 49 in use.

The adjustment mechanism 85 comprises an actuator 88 in the form of astud 89 threadedly mounted into the seal housing 90. Two nuts 91 and 92are threadedly received on the stud 89 for movement relative thereto,and each nut is located on an opposing side of a forked member 95 whichis also positioned with the stud 89 extending therethrough. These nuts91, 92 function to lock the forked member 95 in a particular position inrelation to the stud 89. A transmission arrangement 93 is best seen inFIG. 5, incorporating these components. The forked member 95, which isin the form of a body arranged with two spaced-apart legs 96, 97extending therefrom, is operatively connected between the actuator 88and the adjustment sleeve 87. The forked member 95 is pivotally mountedat a pivot 98A and has one end secured to the stud 89 which extendstherethrough and between the nuts 91 and 92. The ends of each leg 96 and97 are pivotally mounted at a pivot 98B to a mounting ring 100, which isitself secured to (or in some embodiments formed as part of) theadjustment sleeve 87.

When assembled and when in use, the actuator 88 is disposed outside of aguard or cover screen or mesh 55 (FIG. 3). As is apparent from FIG. 3,the actuator enables a one-point adjustment operation which is well awayfrom any of the moving parts of the pump. As shown in FIG. 6, anadjustment of the actuator 88 can be made by using a mechanical tool 105which is shown in the form of a spanner to adjust the stud 89 and thenuts 91, 92, where the adjustment can be made from a “safe” positionoutside of the guard or cover 55.

Optimum operation of the seal assembly 80 requires that the adjustingsleeve 87, along with the wear face of the static ring seal 84, betensioned against the face of rotatable ring seal 81 evenly in both theaxial X-X direction (parallel to the shaft or gland sleeve 82) and in aplane perpendicular to the drive shaft 52. The contact surface betweenthe rotatable ring seal member 81 and the static ring seal 84 is cooledand lubricated by a small leakage of process fluid. In normal operation,the seal assembly 80 must be set up to operate with, and maintain only,a small leakage. Failure to do so will result in the sealing surfacesoverheating and damage occurring to the seal components. The smallamount of leaking fluid which passes between the rotatable face seal 81and the static wearing face seal 84 in use then passes along the annulargap between the shaft or gland sleeve 82 and the adjustment sleeve 87before being expelled from the rear of the pump housing 30.

The operational adjustment requirement required for the forked member 95and the adjustment sleeve 87 which is attached to it, is normally verysmall, at around a maximum of 2-3 mm axially in order to reduce/increaseleakage and to take up any wear in the components of the seal assembly80 over a period of time. The adjustment sleeve 87 is moved generallyinwardly toward the pump housing 30 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4,and a constant gland sealing is maintained between (i) the adjustmentsleeve 87 and the gland seal 78 (which extends from the seal housing90), and (ii) between the adjustment sleeve 87/static ring seal 84 andthe gland sleeve 82/rotatable ring seal 81.

Due to internal wear there is also a requirement over a period of usefor axial adjustment of the impeller 60 within the pump casing 30 in adirection toward the front liner (throatbush) 48, so that in fact thefull movement required for the gland adjustment sleeve 87 may be up to10 mm. Thus, for operation of the seal assembly 80 via the adjustmentmechanism 85, there can be a coarse adjustment for set up, followed by aself-aligning single-point fine (or “operational”) adjustment. To effecta coarse operational adjustment the position of the stud 89 and the nuts91, 92 can initially locate the forked member 95 in a particularposition. Fine adjustment later during operation can then be effected byrotation of the stud 89, or release of the nuts 91, 92 and repositioningof the forked member 95 and retightening of the nuts 91, 92 so as totouch the forked member 95. The forked member 95 acts on the adjustmentsleeve 87 with two points of contact 98B on its centreline X-X toprovide the axial tension, and the adjustment sleeve 87 is centralizedas it passes through the close tolerance of the gland cover. Asdescribed earlier, the adjustment sleeve 87 has a (or is fitted with aseparate) circumferential mounting ring 100 which allows the adjustmentsleeve 87 and associated static ring seal 84 to be slid forwards in thedirection of the arrows shown in FIG. 4, and brought into contact withthe rotatable ring seal 81 (coarse adjustment). The mounting ring 100can then be locked off, and the movement of the fork member 95 can thenbe used for fine/operational adjustment.

The pivotal mounting arrangement of the forked member 95 at the pivotpoints 98A and 98B is especially useful for allowing the “fine tuning”operational adjustment to occur during use of the pump to which the sealassembly 80 is fitted. The pivot points 98A, 98B are each arranged in aline transverse to the axis of the adjustment sleeve 87, and thus canprovide a centering effect for any axial movement of that sleeve 87,which is important so that the seal faces 81, 84 are aligned parallel.This in turn provides better control of the small leakage of processfluid therebetween during use of the pump. The use of pivots (such asrotatable rods, pins or studs) allows virtually friction-free tiltingmovement of the forked member 95 to cause the said axial movement of thesleeve 87. The use of a forked member 95 means that the axial movementof the mounting ring 100/adjustment sleeve 87 is evenly controlled fromopposing sides thereof. The forked member 95 functions like a saddle toprovide an even spread of displacement force on either side of thesleeve 87.

Referring now in particular to FIGS. 7 to 10 there is shown a dischargeapparatus 108 for use with a pump housing 30. The discharge apparatus108 includes an adaptor 70 which comprises a rigid main body 112(normally made in one piece and of metal) with a discharge passageway orport 111 therein extending from a first end 113 to a second end 114. Thefirst end 113 is arranged to align with the discharge outlet 56 portionof the pump housing 30. A mounting flange 120 is provided at the firstend 113 which is adapted to be fitted to a cooperating flange 125, 126which is located on the pump outer casing side parts 33, 34respectively. The second end 114 is adapted to be mounted to adjacentpipework 200 by means of a flange component 116. The flange component116 may comprise two parts 117, 118 which are mirror images of oneanother and are secured together by bolts 119. The flange component 116is separate from the adaptor main body 112 and is arranged to secure aninner liner 138 in position as described hereinafter. The dischargepassageway or port 111 may be frusto conical in shape, as is theexternal side wall 115 of the main body 112.

As best seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the flange 120 includes a firstsection 122 which is generally at right angles to the axis of the pumpdischarge passageway 111 and which is adapted to be bolted to the flange125 on the side part 33 (frame plate). The flange 120 also includes asecond section 124 which is inclined with respect to the first section122 and cooperates with a similarly inclined flange 126 on the pumpcasing side part (cover plate) 34. Some bolts 130 are used to secure theflanges 122/125 together and also to secure the flanges 124/126together. There are four bolts 130, one located at each corner of thetwo flanges 122, 124. Only one bolt 130 is actually shown in theFigures. Another bolt 130 is received in a bolt hole 131 during use.

The discharge apparatus 108 further includes a displacement device 132which is operable to cause displacement between the adaptor 70 and thepump discharge outlet portion 56. The device 132 comprises a series ofthreaded bolts 133 which are received within respective threadedapertures 135, and which when rotated, act on the discharge outletportion 56 to displace the adaptor 70 therefrom. The threaded apertures135 are formed in the first section 122 of the flange 120. When thebolts 133 are in the threaded apertures 135, rotation of the bolts 133will cause the free end of the threaded shank of the said bolts 133 toreact against the uppermost face of the discharge outlet flange 125 tothereby force the discharge outlet portion 56 and the adaptor 70 apart.FIG. 8 illustrates the adaptor 70 firmly bolted to the discharge outletportion 56. FIG. 9 illustrates the two parts 56, 70 displaced apart fromone another. As shown in FIG. 9, there is a gap 140 located between thetwo parts. In the displaced position, the casing side part 34 can bereadily removed.

In some further embodiments, the displacement device 132 may not benecessary. The inclination of the second flange section 124 and theflange 126 which is formed on casing side part 34 can enable the sidepart (front cover plate) 34 to be removed from the front region of thepump casing 30. In both cases the side part (front cover plate) 34 canbe removed without requiring the pipework 200 to be disassembled fromthe casing side part (frame plate) 33. In the embodiment shown theinclination of the second flange is of the order of ten (10) angledegrees, although angles of as little as five (5) or as much as 40 angledegrees are acceptable from the point of view of being able to slidablyrelease and remove the front cover plate 34.

The drawings show a displacement device where the bolts 133 cooperatewith threaded apertures in the first section 122 of the flange 120. Inanother embodiment, the bolts 133 could be arranged to cooperate withthreaded apertures which are located in the flange 125 on the pumpcasing side part (frame plate) 33, so as to act to cause relativemovement between the first section 122 of flange 120 by moving itupwardly and away from the flange 125.

As mentioned earlier the adaptor 70 further includes a replaceable liner138 which is receivable within the discharge passageway 111. The liner138 is held captive or clamped within the discharge passageway 111 bymeans of the flange component 116. The adaptor 70 is arranged so as tobe able to receive different liners of many different internal boreconfigurations, as shown in FIG. 10.

When fully installed, the adaptor 70 is disposed between the pumpdischarge outlet portion 56 and the adjacent pipework 200. The flangesection 122 is bolted to the flange 125 of the discharge outlet 56 onside casing part (frame plate) 33 by means of bolts 130. The lowermostin use flange section 124 of the adaptor 70 is bolted to the flange 126of the discharge outlet 56 at the front side casing part (cover plate)34. The activation of bolts 133 on the flange section 122 of the adaptor70 causes upwards displacement of the adaptor 70 relative to the pumpdischarge outlet portion 56. When displaced, there is a gap 140 betweenthe components which facilitates ready removal of only the side casingpart (front cover plate) 34, as shown in FIG. 7. Access and removal ofthe side casing part (front cover plate) 34 is improved by having theinclined flange section 124 because the combination of these featuresmeans that the upward displacement of adaptor 70 relative to the pumpdischarge outlet portion 56 need not be a very great distance before theside casing part (front cover plate) 34 becomes releasable andremovable. A small amount of such vertical separation is desirable tobreak any seal which might have formed by a joint gasket which hasdeteriorated, or to fracture any particulate deposits or scaling whichmay have built up inside the pump and between the various components.

The arrangements that have been described above enable the replacementof some pump components without the need for removal of the adjacentpipework, and this allows rapid dismantling and removal of all wearingcomponents from the pump. This gives a clear benefit in terms of downtime improvement for the end user. A further feature is that theapparatus provides for the fitment of loose liners in combination withalternative port sizes, to provide a smooth transition of flow from thepump to the associated pipework, as shown in FIG. 10.

The discharge adaptor 70 is a rigid cast component which forms part ofthe pump casing and allows all wearing and service components to beremoved from the pump whilst the discharge pipe is still connectedthereto. Built-in jacking screws allow the pipework to be loosened and“jacked” to create a gap sufficient to allow for the removal of theremaining wear component and the rear casing liner.

In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specificterminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includesall technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner toaccomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and“rear”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words ofconvenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed aslimiting terms.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (orinformation derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not,and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or admission or any formof suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived fromit) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in thefield of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modificationsand/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions andarrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of theinvention.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An adjustment mechanism for a seal assembly for apump drive shaft of a pump, the pump shaft mounted for rotation about arotation axis, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an adjustment memberwhich is axially moveable so as to cause axial movement of the staticseal relative to the rotatable seal, an actuator and a transmission fora portion of a seal assembly of a pump; an actuator which is operable ata single point; and a transmission for transmitting a motive force fromthe actuator to the adjustment member as a result of activation of theactuator, the transmission being operatively connected to the adjustmentmember at two or more spaced apart couplings, whereby activation of theactuator causes simultaneous transmission of the motive force to thecouplings.
 17. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 16, whereinthe transmission comprises a fork shaped member having two spaced apartlegs extending away from one end of the fork shaped member, the free endof each of the legs being pivotally connected to a respective one of thetwo spaced apart couplings, the fork shaped member being mounted forpivotal movement in a region between the one end of the fork shapedmember and the free ends of the spaced apart legs, the one end of thefork shaped member being associated with the actuator.
 18. Theadjustment mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, when fitted, theactuator is spaced from the drive shaft and external of all pump parts.19. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 17, wherein, whenfitted, the actuator is spaced from the drive shaft and external of allpump parts.
 20. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 16, whereinsaid actuator comprises a stud mounted to the pump and one or more boltsthreadably received on the stud, the arrangement being such thatrotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission to deflect thetransmission of the motive force.
 21. The adjustment mechanism accordingto claim 17, wherein said actuator comprises a stud mounted to the pumpand one or more bolts threadably received on the stud, the arrangementbeing such that rotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission todeflect the transmission of the motive force.
 22. The adjustmentmechanism according to claim 18, wherein said actuator comprises a studmounted to the pump and one or more bolts threadably received on thestud, the arrangement being such that rotation of the or each boltcauses the transmission to deflect the transmission of the motive force.23. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 19, wherein saidactuator comprises a stud mounted to the pump and one or more boltsthreadably received on the stud, the arrangement being such thatrotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission to deflect thetransmission of the motive force.
 24. An adjustment mechanism for a sealassembly for a pump drive shaft of a pump, the pump shaft mounted forrotation about a rotation axis, an adjustment member which is axiallymoveable so as to cause axial movement of a portion of the sealassembly, the adjustment member including an adjustment sleeve, which ismounted substantially coaxially with respect to the drive shaft in anassembled position and axially moveable relative thereto, the portion ofthe seal assembly being operatively mounted to or adjoined to one end ofthe adjustment sleeve, an actuator and a transmission for transmitting amotive force from the actuator to the adjustment member as a result ofactivation of the actuator, the transmission being operatively connectedto the adjustment member at two or more spaced apart couplings, theadjustment mechanism further including a mounting member secured to theother end of the adjustment sleeve, the spaced apart couplings being onthe mounting member, whereby activation of the actuator causessimultaneous transmission of the motive force to the couplings.
 25. Theadjustment mechanism according to claim 24, wherein the actuator isoperable from a single point.
 26. The adjustment mechanism according toclaim 24, wherein the mounting member comprises a ring secured to theother end of the adjustment sleeve.
 27. The adjustment mechanismaccording to claim 26, wherein the spaced apart couplings are pivotmountings disposed at opposite sides of the adjustment sleeve.
 28. Theadjustment mechanism according to claim 24, wherein the transmissioncomprises a fork shaped member having two spaced apart legs extendingaway from one end of the fork shaped member, the free end of each of thelegs being pivotally connected to a respective one of the two spacedapart couplings, the fork shaped member being mounted for pivotalmovement in a region between the one end of the fork shaped member andthe free ends of the spaced apart legs, the one end of the fork shapedmember being associated with the actuator.
 29. The adjustment mechanismaccording to claim 24, wherein, when fitted, the actuator is spaced fromthe drive shaft and external of all pump parts.
 30. The adjustmentmechanism according to claim 25, wherein, when fitted, the actuator isspaced from the drive shaft and external of all pump parts.
 31. Theadjustment mechanism according to claim 26, wherein, when fitted, theactuator is spaced from the drive shaft and external of all pump parts.32. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 27, wherein, whenfitted, the actuator is spaced from the drive shaft and external of allpump parts.
 33. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 28, wherein,when fitted, the actuator is spaced from the drive shaft and external ofall pump parts.
 34. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 24,wherein said actuator comprises a stud mounted to the pump and one ormore bolts threadably received on the stud, the arrangement being suchthat rotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission to deflect thetransmission of the motive force.
 35. The adjustment mechanism accordingto claim 25, wherein said actuator comprises a stud mounted to the pumpand one or more bolts threadably received on the stud, the arrangementbeing such that rotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission todeflect the transmission of the motive force.
 36. The adjustmentmechanism according to claim 26, wherein said actuator comprises a studmounted to the pump and one or more bolts threadably received on thestud, the arrangement being such that rotation of the or each boltcauses the transmission to deflect the transmission of the motive force.37. The adjustment mechanism according to claim 27, wherein saidactuator comprises a stud mounted to the pump and one or more boltsthreadably received on the stud, the arrangement being such thatrotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission to deflect thetransmission of the motive force.
 38. The adjustment mechanism accordingto claim 28, wherein said actuator comprises a stud mounted to the pumpand one or more bolts threadably received on the stud, the arrangementbeing such that rotation of the or each bolt causes the transmission todeflect the transmission of the motive force.
 39. The adjustmentmechanism according to claim 29, wherein said actuator comprises a studmounted to the pump and one or more bolts threadably received on thestud, the arrangement being such that rotation of the or each boltcauses the transmission to deflect the transmission of the motive force.40. An adjustment mechanism for a seal assembly for a pump drive shaftof a pump, the pump shaft being mounted for rotation about a rotationaxis, with an access zone located for providing access to the sealassembly, and a guard at least partially surround the access zone, theadjustment mechanism comprising: an adjustment member which is axiallymoveable so as to cause axial movement of a portion of a seal assemblyof a pump; an actuator; and a transmission for transmitting a motiveforce from the actuator to the adjustment member as a result ofactivation of the actuator, the transmission being operatively connectedto the adjustment member, whereby activation of the actuator causessimultaneous transmission of the motive force to the adjustment member,the actuator being spaced from the drive shaft and external of the guardwhen fitted.